Projector and Screen Recommendations?

[jc2410]

Wow, am I glad I stumbled on this website before plunking my $ down at the retail store yesterday. I'm new to the game, and almost embarrassed to admit how far behind I in keeping up with the latest (don't have HDTV or even cable/satellite yet). But after seeing two friends recent home theaters, I know that's what I want: projector and big screen. I've read many of the postings and reviews, but would sure appreciate some advice based on what I've got to deal with. Here's some info to help with some advice if you can:

1. Finishing new room in new house, so will ceiling mount projector (8' high)...can locate at anywhere up to about 15 ft from screen.
2. Room has sliding glass door and one window. Both will get venetians, but these will not completely darken room during daylight.
3. Room layout requires screen in corner, so need motorized retractable from ceiling. Hopefully in the 100" wide range (I generally prefer a little more 'big' effect over 'sharpness').
4. Veiwing distance will be between about 9 feet at corners and 12 ft at center of L-shaped couch.
5. Main use likely for viewing DVDs, at least for now, and some SD tv. Usually in evenings (but still a little light out in summers).
6. Since I'm an "entry-level" theater viewer used to watching regular tv, I'm expecting whatever I get is going to be a big, exciting improvement.
7. Don't want to spend a load the first time out, but also thinking ahead a bit...might really like this and finally get satellite with HD receiver.

So, with this in mind, I'm thinking I should probably be looking in the current $1500-2000 range for a projector, although I was initially thinking the cheaper ones would probably be just fine for my intended use. The reviews I read currently have me waffling back and forth between the Panny 900u and the Optima 72. It seems the room brightness would be best served by the brightness from the Optima. But with the motorized dropdown screen req't and lens offset, the Optima has me a little concerned. The Panny set up would likely be easiest, but the 16:10 issue sounds like a pain. I'm also wondering if it won't work so great during daytime/early evening tv viewing.

Sorry for the long post, but from other posts it looked like that might help anyone give me some suggestions or food for thought. Especially screen type and manufacturer, and whether DLP or LCD would be my best bet. Thanks in advance!

 

[BMXTRIX]

Take a few hours reading over a http://www.projectorcentral.com as most of your questions are answered - or at least informed upon - there in stunning detail.

The ambient light in a room will ALWAYS be an issue, and you should be prepared to deal with it. Doesn't matter if you want to or not, but if you aren't happy with your image during the day, and are thrilled with it at night, then then issue is the light in the room and there are ways you can deal with it.

Which projector? Pick one:
Infocus IN76, Optoma HD72, Panasonic AE900, Sanyo Z4, Espon 500/800... They are all awesome. You need a bit more light and my understandin right now is the Epson and the Infocus are a cut above with a bit more light output. I would lean towards the IN76 as of right now in your situation.

SCREENS: If you aren't going to invest in a tab-tensioned screen, don't waste your money on an electric screen. Non-tab-tensioned screens will develop waves in the surface over time and ruin your image. If you want, you can pay $500+ for an electric screen that isn't tab-tensioned and have it ruined in a couple of years. OR- You can buy a manual screen and just pull it down by hand, then put it up by hand (about 5 seconds). It will also be ruined in a couple of years, but it'll only set you back $150 or so.

I would strongly recommend you either do it nice, or do it cheap. Cheap doesn't give you a lousy screen, it just gives you the same screen - with no motor. Tab-tensioned doesn't give you a better screen either. The same screen, but it won't be ruined in 2 or 5 or even 10 years. It'll just be perfection as long as you own it.

I am a fan of DaLite for retractable screens of all types at various price points that don't tend to be as severe as some other companies.

 

[jc2410]

Thanks BMX...every little bit of info helps. I did review the website you noted. It was quite helpful and was what started me thinking the Optima72 would be good because of the lighting situation, but got me a bit concerned about being able to adjust it right (or not?) so the screen didn't have to be pulled down almost to the floor. Plus it's DLP, which I liked a little better than the LCD I viewed in a store. BUT the ones I saw in the store, were of course not the ones recommended online like the Optima or the Panny 900u (for reasons I understand re: online vs retail). So hopefully I'm worrying for nothing...I'm just not sure yet which will best for setting up vs. best for actual use.

Interesting you mentioned Da-lite too. I had originally looked into and thought about going with one of those. Then a sales guy mentioned he liked Draper, but I figure that's because those are the ones they have their sales deal setup with. And manual probably would be just fine. I just thought electric might be sort of fun to just hit the button. I had figured tab-tensioned is the way to go for the long run, so thanks for confirming that, particualy since I plan to build that in the ceiling. The way I figure, I'd rather get a decent screen built in as it will be sooner and likely easier to change out the projector in a few years.

jc

 

[BMXTRIX]

The IN76 is a very strong contender right now (IMO) as it is DLP, has very little offset, and a nice bright image compared to a good bit of the competition.

The offset, or how much above/below, the screen you MUST put the projector to avoid digital keystone correction is a big thing. I believe that the IN76 needs to be about 7 or 8 inches above the top edge (or below the bottom edge) of the screen for a 100" diagonal image. Add a projector ceiling mount and that bumps the screen down so it is about a foot off the ceiling. With 8 foot ceilings, this is pretty close to ideal. Maybe even a bit high. So, the main issue is getting the wiring to the required projector location which is, for a 100" diagonal, 11 to 14 feet from the lens to the screen.

Let's be very clear, since the question comes up constantly:
If you have seen a $10,000 projector setup in a nice A/V store... write down the model number, then look up the specifications on it. You will find that almost all of those top dollar projectors are just a SMALL bit better than the $2K projectors are. Typically the same brightness, similar DLP or LCD chip set, similar processing, etc. More expensive DLPs include lens shift (big plus for some) and will have better 'all-around' quality which includes, but is not always, better processing, better optics, better case design, cooler running temperature, quieter fans, better remote, added connectivity, more setup versatility, more accurate colors, better colors out of the box, etc., etc.

But, all those added features aren't 'brightness'. They aren't WAY better, but just a very tiny bit better in a lot of areas. Maybe a 10% overall improvement... But, an added cost of $8,000 or more at times.

As for the screen - if you are going electric, tab-tensioned, then I strongly encourage it! I have seen all three, I have used manual non-tensioned... and ruined it in a couple of years. Now I have electric tab-tensioned (Draper) and am very happy. Would I recommend Draper? Sure, but I believe that DaLite is a bit better for overall quality. I consider that to be a very big deal as you simply don't even want to have to deal with your screen again once it is installed.

Of course - fixed mount, on-wall screens are by far the best quality overall that I have ever seen. Deep velvet borders and a rigid frame design allow for a very stable and perfect viewing surface every time. If you can figure it out for the room, it is worth it.

 

[timn99]

I would also recommend looking at Carada screens. Many positive reviews from owners.....I purchased the Brilliant White screen (1.4 gain). Very good quality construction and velvet trim IS included.

 

[jc2410]

tim - thanks, I'll check into Carada again. I have a comparison to Da-lite and another bookmarked somewhere. But I have to go with retractable...room just doesn't work for wall mount. So hopefully they have one. Also for my lighting situation, I figure I'll probalby be going with around 1.3-1.4 gain and matte white (I don't care for the gray look).

BMX - good info too. The IN looks like a real promising PJ for my situation. I can deal with that offset as I can fab my own lowprofile mount and get it to hug the ceiling real close. As for screens, do you have any suggestions regarding the material/color/gain for my not-so-great lighting condition (Da-lite, Carada or Draper).

 

[BMXTRIX]

This is a good read on screens...
http://www.projectorcentral.com/white_gray_projection_screens.htm

Carada (www.carada.com) - while an awesome company makes NO retractable screens, which is why I didn't recommend them to begin with.

With some ambient light in the room, I would go with one of the high contrast screens from Dalite...
http://www.dalite.com/dalitehometheater/products/selecting4.php

Probably high contrast cinema vision.

NOTE: I will ALWAYS recommend a Chief Mount (RPA series) for a projector. About a 1" profile and they make it a piece of cake to install and remove your projector when you need to. Very, VERY solid design and construction.

 

[jc2410]

BMX - Thanks again for info on screens. Just reviewed and the Da-lite HCCV looks like a good way to go for my situation. They seem to have many nice options to pick from, too, for the electric or manual ceiling mount.

Do you have any info on where to get that low profile mount you recommended? And what approx cost should be?